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Woods Farm in Boones Mill announced earlier this week it is closing after decades of selling fresh produce, preserves, and jams, saying rising costs, drought, and repeated crop losses left the owner unable to keep the business running.

Main Street in Boones Mill hosted Franklin County’s first-ever Coffin Race on Saturday, with 15 five-person teams racing homemade caskets for cash prizes, and the Franklin County Historical Society saying proceeds will help pay for pauper burials.

Bedford waste hauler Bays Boys Trash Removal has added a fuel surcharge tied to rising diesel costs after prices hit about $5.75 a gallon, making the fee 5% and adding $1.25 to a $25 monthly bill (the surcharge will be removed if diesel falls below $4 per gallon).

DePaul CEO Renee Brown received the 2026 Cabell Brand Hope Award from TAP for her leadership at the nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness, the organization announced this week (the award recognizes community impact and innovation).

The Drumstick Dash 5K is less than a month away; register online to run with proceeds benefiting the Rescue Mission, and the naming sponsor is Pinnacle Financial Partners; register by Sunday, Nov.

1 to guarantee a long-sleeve shirt designed by a local student + use code WFIR26 for 10% off.

Clarence’s, a southside restaurant, is preparing to welcome back out of town NASCAR fans during Martinsville race weekends, serving its signature fish Fridays & steaks amid racing memorabilia and familiar faces.

The family owned spot will keep hosting fans, teams, and meet-and-greet moments tied to the Speedway.

Roanoke Book Club & Mobile Bookshop are partnering to run a series of free neighborhood book events offering author readings, children's storytimes, and pop-up sales at local sites in the coming months.

The Town of Vinton is seeking proposals to redevelop the vacant corner at East Lee Avenue and Pollard Street, acquired after a 2022 fire, into either a mixed-use project with 16 residential units or a 22-room boutique hotel; proposals are due Nov.

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